In a dramatic turn at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 22-year-old scholar transport driver Ayanda Dludla faced an amended charge sheet of 14 counts of murder, a severe escalation from the initial culpable homicide charges.
The court appearance coincided with the devastating news that two more learners had succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident, raising the death toll to fourteen. Dludla, also known as “Biggie,” now faces 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and multiple charges under the National Road Traffic Act.
The state prosecutor announced the amended charges, stating the evidence now supports a Schedule 5 murder charge. “Initially, the charge was culpable homicide. However, when the state perused the docket and the evidence that was in the docket, we found that we had prima facie evidence to charge the accused with the charge of murder,” the prosecutor told the court.
The charges include reckless and negligent driving, driving without a valid professional driving permit, operating an unlicensed motor vehicle, and operating a vehicle without a certificate of fitness.
A somber and emotionally charged atmosphere filled the packed courtroom as grieving family members listened. Dludla informed the magistrate that he would abandon his bail application.
Outside the courtroom, a spokesperson for the bereaved families addressed the media, expressing profound loss and shifting the focus to broader accountability. “No amount of justice will return our children,” the family representative said. The spokesperson issued a direct plea to vehicle owners, urging introspection and roadworthiness checks. “We will blame the owner as well. Not only the driver but the person who owns the cars… The owner must take accountability as well that he was part and parcel of this tragic thing.”
Meanwhile, a gathering of community members, civil society groups, and public transport associations picketed outside the court in solidarity with the families.
Dludla was initially charged with 12 counts of culpable homicide upon his discharge from the hospital on Tuesday. The case has been postponed for further investigation, and the accused will remain in custody. A memorial service for the deceased learners is scheduled for Friday.